On Friday in Nigeria, the Nigeria Labour Congress directed workers in states that have not fully implemented the 2024 minimum wage law to mark the 2026 May Day with street protests instead of indoor celebrations, as part of efforts to press for compliance with the new wage structure.
The instruction was contained in a statement issued by the union’s General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, following complaints that several state governments have failed to apply key parts of the law.
The affected areas include proper salary adjustments for senior workers, consistent payment of the new wage, and inclusion of local government employees, teachers, and health workers.
The current minimum wage of N70,000 was approved in July 2024 after it was signed into law by Bola Tinubu, replacing the previous N30,000 benchmark. The decision came after discussions involving government representatives, labour unions, and private sector stakeholders.
The labour union said states that have not complied should not host official May Day events in government buildings or other enclosed venues. Instead, workers in such states are expected to gather early on May 1, 2026, at labour offices or public locations and move in organised processions across their state capitals.
According to the directive, each state council is expected to plan routes that will end at major government offices such as the Government House, State House of Assembly, or the office of the Head of Service, where their demands will be presented.
The union also warned that any state labour leader who ignores the directive or replaces it with a regular celebration in a state that has not complied with the law will face disciplinary action. It added that reports of participation and compliance would be required from all affected councils.
The move comes as many workers continue to complain that the N70,000 wage is not enough due to rising prices of goods and services. Labour groups have also pushed for a fresh review, proposing a higher figure to match current economic conditions, with talks ongoing about a possible increase to N154,000.